Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1409 - 480: Unexpected Turn of Events

The other high-ranking generals aboard the airship stared at the young officer as if he were a complete idiot.

Was that truly the most important thing to focus on right now?

Shouldn't any rational observer be overwhelmed with shock by the sheer might displayed by Lord Rein?

However, the man’s observation wasn't entirely wrong.

Although Gazrian, the Ancient Giant Beast known as the Ice Sea Giant Demon, had not been defeated yet, the momentum of the battle had shifted heavily in their favor.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd, as if a massive weight had finally been lifted from their shoulders.

Vice Speaker Bertrand kept his bronze telescope pressed to his eye for a long time, refusing to look away.

A sharp light flickered in his gaze as he watched Rein slowly approach the fallen form of the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon.

"It is no marvel that the intelligence department has been so insistent on finding a way to bring Rein, this young genius of the Empire, over to our side."

"I recall Trena mentioning Rein in the report she filed after her visit."

"But who could have predicted that his talent would be so monstrous!"

"The problem is... at this point, recruiting such a transcendent young talent will likely require more than just standard methods..."

Vice Speaker Bertrand’s mind began to wander.

Judging by the Red Queen Menia’s behavior, the Empire clearly recognized Rein’s worth, having already granted him a position of immense authority.

When combined with his deep-rooted ties to the Empire, traditional poaching tactics might prove to be both too slow and completely futile.

Bertrand spoke with a heavy, serious tone:

"Contact the intelligence department immediately. I want the most recent intelligence report on Lord Rein."

"Such youth, such incredible potential! Staying in the Empire is truly a waste of his gifts..."

...

Down on the battlefield.

Having slain the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon, Rein walked toward the massive carcass and thrust his hand into the gaping, bloody wound.

To any onlookers, it appeared as though Rein was merely being cautious, confirming that the beast was truly dead.

As his hand made contact with the still-warm flesh inside the wound, a system notification suddenly flashed before him:

[Ding! Host has made contact with the Blood Essence of the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon. An absorbable Dragon Gene Segment has been detected. Do you wish to proceed with absorption?]

(Note: Absorbing this Dragon Gene Segment will increase the concentration of the host’s Dragon Bloodline.)

"It is just as I suspected; the system only mentioned 'partial' genes."

"Given my current level, this will provide an upgrade, but it won't be a massive leap."

Rein smiled faintly and immediately commanded, "Yes!"

In an instant, he felt a surge of warmth flow from his hand inside the dragon’s body, racing through his Cultivation and circulating rapidly across his entire frame.

A second or two later, Rein withdrew his hand and stood up to leave.

The entire process was executed so smoothly that it remained hidden from any prying eyes.

Deep within himself, Rein could sense subtle refinements and power increases, even if the shift wasn't transformative.

Checking his attribute panel, his Mutated Dragon Bloodline was still categorized as 'Pure Blood.'

This confirmed that his bloodline rank had not yet evolved.

He had already braced himself for this outcome.

Bloodline progression was like climbing a staircase; one only moves to the next level after accumulating a specific threshold of power.

Furthermore, the difficulty of advancing increased exponentially at the higher stages.

"As my Dragon Genes continue to accumulate, standard Giant Dragon Blood and the Bloodline Essence of Mixed-blood Dragon Descendants seem to be losing their effectiveness on me."

"If that's the case, the Ice Sea Giant Demon Gazrian might be the key to a truly significant breakthrough."

Rein’s eyes glinted with anticipation as he stared at the mountain-sized silhouette of Gazrian in the distance, lost in thought.

"Even if I don't reach the next stage yet, it doesn't matter. These minor increases in bloodline concentration will still enhance the True Damage of my 'Dragon Soul Strike!'"

"My overall combat strength has definitely grown."

...

Meanwhile, in the middle of her fierce struggle against the Ice Sea Giant Demon Gazrian, Menia—astride the Red Dragon Tasa—stole a glance back at Rein’s sector of the battlefield.

The sight that met her eyes left her paralyzed with shock!

The ground surrounding Rein was littered with the remains of Sea Beasts and the black-robed cultists of the Sea God Sect. They had all been wiped out.

Even the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon, a beast she had personally fought twice before, was now lying dead in a massive pool of its own blood...

This was impossible...

Menia distinctly remembered looking at this area just ten seconds ago. At that time, the Federation Sword Saint Terrio was barely holding on, and Rein hadn't even reached the scene yet.

How could the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon and the entire Sea God Sect force be decimated in such a tiny window of time?

For a moment, Menia’s mind went completely blank!

However, losing focus in the heat of a high-level battle is a death sentence.

"Look out! Princess Menia!" Reginald shouted from nearby.

A colossal wave of Ice Crystal Mist was hurtling toward Menia and Tasa. It was 'Frost Freeze,' the signature Breath attack of the Ice Sea Giant Demon Gazrian.

The 'Red Queen' Menia snapped back to her senses, her face paling as she desperately commanded Tasa to bank away.

Though they barely managed to dodge the direct hit, Tasa’s defensive spells, including the 'Resistance Fire Ring' and 'Flame Shield,' shattered instantly upon the slightest contact with the freezing mist.

The collision of extreme heat and sub-zero temperatures instantly turned the area into a thick, blinding fog!

Reginald was stunned that Menia had allowed herself to be distracted during such a critical fight.

For a Dawn Wizard like the 'Red Queen' Menia, who possessed vast combat experience, such a lapse in judgment was completely out of character.